If you lived above the "Cheddar Curtain" (Wisconsin) the drive would be longer, but it sure would be cheaper. You might be able to afford a second car. I'm paying $575 in Kenosha, the drive is 1 hour, give or take. I might be able to live in Wheeling for $1000 or so if I had dirt cheap transportation. I know, I know, $1000 probably doesn't get you much in Wheeling. Check out Carol Stream, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect, Buffalo Grove, or like the other dude was saying, somewhere along the Metra Line up toward Antioch.
I would like to find a 'decent' place (for a wife and babgy too) a little closer to ORD, like on the west side for under $850. I'm out of my head to think I might find something, but you never know. Anybody have any suggestions?